The Relationship With Sarah

Sarah Torval's relationships with Alex and Poppy move from tension and competition toward a frank, complicated understanding of the love shared between the old friends.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A College Crush

Sarah Enters Their Story Alex's interest Alex develops a crush on Sarah Torval, whom he meets through library work. Poppy notices his attraction and teases him about it, while believing their own bond is purely friendly. A recurring reference Sarah becomes a familiar subject in Poppy and Alex's private jokes. Poppy's attention to the crush reflects how closely she watches Alex, even before she understands the depth of her own feelings.

An Uneasy Summer Tradition

Sarah Questions the Trip A partner's concern Sarah feels uneasy about Alex taking a yearly vacation alone with Poppy. Alex does not share every detail of the tension, and Poppy recognizes why Sarah might not trust a friendship with such unusual closeness. The trip continues Sarah agrees to the arrangement, and Poppy and Alex travel together. The decision preserves their tradition but does not erase the boundary problem it creates for their romantic relationships.

Sarah Joins Tuscany

A Couples' Trip Takes Shape An attempt at inclusion Alex and Poppy travel with Sarah and Trey, hoping the partners can become friends. Sarah eventually relaxes into the group, and Poppy begins to see that she may have misjudged her. A warning beneath the ease The trip's friendliness does not remove the emotional intensity between Poppy and Alex. Sarah's presence makes their unspoken attachment more ethically significant, even when no one explains it aloud.

The Engagement That Never Happens

Alex Ends the Relationship A proposal considered Alex buys no ring, but he recognizes that he has imagined an engagement while making choices around Poppy rather than Sarah. He understands that his relationship is not as straightforward as he hoped. A breakup without explanation Alex ends things with Sarah and does not tell Poppy why. Poppy later discovers the hidden connection and feels guilty, wondering whether their friendship cost Alex the family future he wanted.

Sarah Gives Poppy a Lead

Rivalry Softens Into Candor An apology begins Poppy admits she was careless about the friendship and its impact on Sarah. Sarah confirms that Poppy's presence affected her relationship with Alex, but also acknowledges that all three of them made mistakes. A grudging act of help Sarah tells Poppy that teachers often go to Birdies and Alex may be there. Her advice is not a declaration of friendship, but it allows Poppy to reach him honestly.

During Alex and Poppy’s early college friendship

Six summers ago, before the Vail trip

Three summers ago, during the Tuscany trip

After Tuscany and before the present reunion

Near the ending, during Poppy’s visit to East Linfield High School